Toastmaster in Kent

On the 2nd April 2011 it was my great pleasure to be the Toastmaster of the Heart FM wedding competition held in conjunction with Port Lympne here in Kent. From a huge number of applicants the final 50 couples were selected and invited to a sumptuous day out at Port Lympne and where the competition winners would be announced. Many nervous attendees and great exitement as the time of the draw grew nearer.

The event was hosted by James Hemming and Charlie O’Brien the breakfast show presenters from Heart FM.

Overall a fabulous day and great to be part of the event.

I have been very busy of late as a Toastmaster in Kent and bookings are now coming in for not only 2011 but also 2012.

I have notice that when I am first contacted  for my services many people are surprised by the range of services I offer as a Toastmaster. The old fashioned Toastmaster used to be a rather elderly gentleman in a red coat, who insisted on a bottle of good claret to get him through the day, be fed the best food, generally get in the way of the photographer and the guests and merely organise a receiving line, say grace if required, announce the speeches and arrange the cutting of the cake. The modern Toastmaster, particularly during these trying financial times has to be prepared to do more, much much more.

As a Toastmaster, I firmly believe that I am an integral part of the day, with not only ceremonial and traditional duties, but more importantly seeing that all runs to time, all details are taken care of, other providers helped and encouraged to be part of the team and most importantly to ensure the happy couple and their guests have the time of their lives. My role as a Toastmaster starts long before the day, with the gathering of all the information regarding the big day, meeting the happy couple to glean their requirements and generally offer advice and assistance. From the moment of booking the modern Toastmaster should be there to offer advice when called upon so to do.

I would never take more than one booking for a day as I believe the client deserves my complete attention and I will tailor my services completely in line with the couples requirements. I will always, unlike the majority of other Toastmasters, offer my services at a church ceremony. I do not wear the traditional red coat but rather black morning coat and assist the ushers, the bride and her father and any other details that may be required. I will normally leave a church after the bride has started her walk down the aisle and then return to the reception venue to await the guests and also have a final check on the arrangements for the reception.

Please have a look at www.kentishtoastmaster.com under the testimonials and you will see the reaction of brides with the full service I offer.

Please remember, I am always available to talk to brides who may be considering having a Toastmaster on their big day and it will always be my pleasure to play a part in the festivities.

As a Toastmaster in Kent, I often come across the waiter or member of house staff dressed in a red coat and being offered as part of an overall package. A Toastmaster cannot be a person with split loyalties, a Toastmaster should be working for the bridal party alone. How can you offer high level quality service when in the back of your mind you are thinking of not upsetting your main employer the venue? Answer - You cannot.

A Toastmaster, such as myself, will be highly trained in all aspects of the craft not only weddings but also all those other  functions where we are called upon to officiate. The waiter in the red coat can merely put on a red coat and call himself a toastmaster. He is not a toastmaster, he is a front of house member of staff acting out the role. In my opinion, nobody who has not been properly trained and vetted by one of the recognised guilds or associations, such as the English Toastmasters Association of which I am proud to be a member, should be permitted to call themselves a toastmaster.

Please be aware that the role of the Toastmaster does not merely happen on the day. I from the moment of engagement, am available for consultation regarding any matter relating to the function.  Is the waiter in the red coat?  I hold meetings with all my clients before the event and maintain close contact with them to ensure the day runs as they want it to. The day is fully planned together and I then work closely with the venue, the caterers, the photographer and all others involved. Of course things happen that are not planned but I consider it my job to resolve any such problems, so that in 99% of instances nobody notices. My loyalties are solely to my client.

I also guarante that I will never operate at more than one function at a time. I am aware of locations where the waiter in the red coat handles three weddings at the same time!! How can you possibly devote your entire energies to providing high quality service when operating like this? Answer - You cannot.

I firmly believe that a Toastmaster adds grandeur and a sense of occasion to any event whether it be a wedding or not. As a Toastmaster  in Kent, I am aware that there is a cost implication in hiring a Toastmaster but, I would argue that we can save you money in certain instances by the quality of pre event advice and the close attention to detail on the day.

Ask yourself - is the waiter in the red coat really free? More than likely as not the venue will have built his cost into your price offering and will be making a little more from you. Ask for a reduction if you want a proper Toastmaster and this can offset the costs of the engement.

Finally, whatever you choose whether it be a Toastmaster or a “waiter in a red coat” have a great day. Remember it is what you make it but, if you feel that I, The Kentish Toastmaster, could assist please do not hesitate to get in touch with me.

As a Toastmaster in Kent I am often asked whose job is whose in the run up to the big day. In this modern era, things have become a little less formal with many brides and grooms arranging and indeed paying for their big day. That is not to say that the close families and friends are excluded from the arrangements.

As a Toastmaster, I am on call from the very moment of my appointment and am pleased to meet with the bride and groom to discuss any matters they may have. Whilst many brides like a slightly less formal wedding, my role as toastmaster has in fact increased as I have to be far more flexible in my approach. One can always stay rigidly to protocol but, this is nowadays far too stiff and starchy for many couples.

However, whilst many may see a Toastmaster as a man in a red coat with a gavel and who appears to do nothing more than “help with the speeches”, the role is far wider and can basically be summed up as the wedding facilitator. The Toastmaster will ensure that all runs to time, spot problems before they happen and seemingly with the greatest of ease make your day the greatest occasion of your lives.

The Bride at her wedding normally deals with all those areas you would expect, choosing her bridesmaids, selecting the dress and those clothes to be worn by the bridesmaids, the flowers, the booking of the bridal cars and to arrange her hen night.

The Groom would normally be responsible for all matters legal, selecting the best man and ushers, buying the rings, the button holes, the thank you presents for the bridesmaids, the honeymoon and last but not least his wedding speech.

Lastly, please remember that nothing is set in stone and I, as a Toastmaster in Kent, would be only too happy to discuss your requirements. Many couples have removed those suggested boundaries and start their partnership as just that, a partnership, with all decisions being made together.

James is a Toastmaster in Kent and is based in Tonbridge.

Whilst many believe the Toastmasters sole role in life is assisting at weddings , there are many other facets to this old and respected profession. It is true to say that as a Toastmaster in Kent, I  can greatly enhance any occasion whether very formal or more inclined to the informal.
1) The primary role of a Toastmaster can be summed up as  the event facilitator, co-ordinating and liaising with all the other service providers at the event whilst being the guardian of etiquette and protocol.

2) Before your guests arrive at your function, the toastmaster will be on hand to carefully ensure all  the arrangements are in line with your requirements. Your guests will be greeted and then the function will be conducted and managed with discreet efficiency.

3) Conductor of Toasts, speeches, presentations and raffles can be arranged and organised all in accordance with your pre-designated requirements.
4) Specialist Events. There are of course those very specialised events such as Ladies Festivals that not only require the usual skills of a Toastmaster but require a more intimate knowledge of Masonic protocol and form. The Kentish toastmaster is very well versed in all matters Masonic and will add that special touch to what is after all for most “the” event of a Master and his lady’s year.

James has been trained to be adaptable and to cater for any type of function and would be more than willing to discuss any requirements you may have.

Visit his web site and learn more about how James Lark toastmaster in kent can help you

As a toastmaster in Kent, I have witnessed first hand the nervousness, dread and pangs of fear that can take over the wedding speakers. But rest assured - they always go down a storm!

For many people, the speech they make at a wedding is their first attempt at public speaking. Fraught with nerves the speaker is called to his feet to make an articulate and witty speech where the assembled audience will hang on every word waiting for that gaff.

This is all in the mind of the speaker and must be set aside not only for the speech to work but also to ensure the speaker does not freeze due to nervous tension. The assembled throng are happy to be there and will applaud at many a feeble joke just because they are enjoying themselves.

The key to making a good speech is preparation. Prepare your speech well in advance, write it out long hand if you are not an experienced speaker and then practice either in front of a mirror or a willing partner.

Time it and see if the time is about right. Too long is far worse than too short.

I like the use of small cue cards written on one side. Don’t do what one poor soul did and write on both sides. As he placed one card down he did not turn it over! Of course, fumbling for the next card proved a bit of a problem!

Try and commit the wedding speech to memory, it looks far more professional if you appear to give an ” off the cuff” speech even though hours of work may well have gone into its production. By all means add humour to the speech but do not make it personal - it is the bride and grooms big day and they should not feel embarrassed.

Posture is important - keep your head up and look as if you are enjoying the occasion. Speak slowly and clearly particularly if you are speaking to a large crowd. Most important of all Relax.

It was in the not too distant past, the custom to hold the  wedding speeches after the meal which usually meant the speech makers did not enjoy their meal for fear of what was to come.  Be modern - move them to either before the meal or between courses it may well mean the father of the bride enjoying the meal he has just paid for !!

James Lark is a Wedding Toastmaster based in Kent. He can be contacted here.

Visit his web site to see his wide range of wedding testimonials both here and abroad.

As a toastmaster in Kent, aside from the obvious decisions on any wedding day, it is imperative that you are comfortable with the inclusion of a toastmaster to provide a suitable level of service to the biggest day of your life.

Here are five tips to help point you in the right direction.

1) Where are their Testimonials?

Do they walk the walk and are willing to provide you with events that they have hosted prior to you choosing your toastmaster?  It is a crucial and frequently overlooked step. However, do ask them for prior experience at whatever type of function you are organising.

2) Ensure they have the Right Qualifications

There are many unqualified persons engaging in ‘toastmaster’ activity. Toastmasters are professionally trained according to strict guidelines established by bodies such as the English Toastmaster’s Association. Check for these when you arrange your initial meet.

3) Book Well in Advance

Like anything relating to weddings certain times of the year can be busy for wedding plans. This is no different to the toastmaster. To avoid disappointment ensure you book your toastmaster well in advance, ideally one year.

4) Take the Time to Meet Your Toastmaster

Take the time to meet your toastmaster. A toastmaster will meet you without any obligation. In this 30 minute meeting your toastmaster will listen carefully to your wedding and function requirements and explain the format and possible role that your toastmaster will play to ensure that you have the most memorable day of your life.

5) Does Your Toastmaster’s Personality fit with Your Wedding Plans?

This is crucial to your function. Are your wedding plans suitable for a toastmaster? These are key questions that can be asked in your no obligation meeting with your toastmaster.

Look for more information on toastmasters in Kent by visiting our website.

James Lark is a toastmaster in Kent. He can be contacted here